Evaluation of a technique to occlude the internal carotid artery of horses.

The research is an evaluation of a technique for occluding the internal carotid artery of horses, involving the use of a latex balloon and ligatures. The research found that this is an effective approach which can potentially prevent fatal hemorrhages in horses.

Methodology

• The researchers carried out an experimental study on six healthy adult horses. For each horse, the left internal carotid artery was occluded using an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing latex balloon which was placed distally, and two ligatures proximally.
• Post-surgery, X-ray images were taken on the 2nd, 5th, 10th, and 30th days to evaluate the balloon’s inflation and position.
• On the 10th day, an endoscopic examination of the horse’s left guttural pouch was carried out to examine the integrity of the internal carotid artery and surrounding tissues.
• On the 30th day, both left and right carotid arteries were examined and then processed for a histologic evaluation.

Results

• Both immediate and long-term occlusion of the left internal carotid artery was achieved in all horses.
• The occlusion technique was found straightforward with no complications encountered during or after the process.
• The latex balloons remained inflated and maintained their original position throughout the study period.
• An organized thrombus (A blood clot formed within the blood vessels) was observed in the left internal carotid artery of all the horses after 30 days, which indicates that the body’s natural healing process had begun.
• The cerebral arterial circle and common carotid artery remained patent at their junctions with the internal carotid artery in all the horses.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that using an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and ligatures proximally is an effective method for occluding the internal carotid artery of horses.
• The technique could potentially be used in the prevention of fatal hemorrhages (uncontrolled bleeding) in horses with lesions of the internal carotid artery.